The United States Department of Justice has initiated a civil rights investigation regarding a coffee chain in New York that stated its policy to not serve a Democratic lawmaker. This decision was made following the coffee chain’s announcement, which cited the lawmaker’s support for Israel as the reason for the ban.

Harmeet K. Dhillon, the chief civil rights prosecutor at the Justice Department, made this announcement on June 23, 2026. She stated that an investigation was ordered after Poetica Coffee, a small cafe chain with Uzbek influences, posted on social media indicating that Representative Dan Goldman was unwelcome in its establishments.

Dhillon described the coffee chain’s actions as “potentially illegal” and condemned them as “reprehensible”. She emphasised that the Civil Rights Division would pursue enforcement actions if necessary.

Details of the Incident and Response from Poetica Coffee

Poetica Coffee operates seven locations in Brooklyn and the East Village. The controversy unfolded after Goldman visited one of its cafes with his daughter. The chain then publicly mentioned, via social media, that it would not serve him, referencing an incident of racial insensitivity and connection to broader historical issues.

In posts on Facebook and Instagram, Poetica Coffee stated they would have refused service to Goldman if they had recognised him earlier, explicitly referring to him as an individual who associates with negative ideologies. The coffee chain refunded Goldman the amount he spent during the visit and firmly stated he should not return.

The founder of Poetica Coffee, Parviz Mukhamadkulov, has yet to provide a response to media inquiries regarding the statements made about Goldman and the ensuing investigation.

Goldman’s Reaction and Broader Implications

Representative Dan Goldman expressed disappointment over the incident in an interview with CNN, highlighting concerns about declining standards of civility in public discourse. Despite the situation, he argued against the need for the coffee chain to face legal scrutiny.

Goldman stated he felt more attention should be directed towards combatting anti-Semitism, particularly for individuals lacking a platform comparable to his own as an elected official. His remarks indicate a belief in the necessity of prioritising issues affecting less visible communities.

The legal context surrounding the Justice Department’s investigation remains ambiguous, as protections against discrimination based on various characteristics do not extend to political beliefs. Federal and state laws prohibit businesses from refusing service based on factors like race, religion, and national origin.

Political Context and Goldman’s Position

Dan Goldman is a noted supporter of Israel within the Democratic Party and identifies as a “proud Zionist”. He has reportedly received substantial campaign contributions from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and affiliated organisations, amounting to nearly Rs 1.6 crore during the current election cycle.

Goldman has publicly denied allegations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, though he has acknowledged the dire situation in the region. He has also voiced criticisms of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration and its settlement policies in occupied territories.

This investigation raises questions about the intersection of political ideologies and customers’ rights within businesses, indicating potential shifts in how such matters may be approached in legal frameworks moving forward.

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